CrunchGear

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• Why Desktop Touch Screens Don’t Really Work Well For Humans
• djay version 3: You can play MP3s on a turntable!
• Qosmio G60: Toshiba unleashes new super-laptop
• Sonos s5: Mo’ money, mo’ powerful wireless speakers
• Daily Crunch: Stinky People Edition
• Pedal power in the desert: OLPC in Afghanistan
• WikiReader packs all of Wikipedia in a power-sipping portable
• Gadget surgery: hack a 32GB SSD into your old Zune body
• Another Wiimote for the PS3? You’re kidding me
• Linux Foundation announces new membership perks
• CrunchDeals: Razer Mamba for $85 shipped
• BFG announces new Deimos X-10 gaming notebook
• Video Review: The Dyson Air Multiplier
• The Dell Adamo XPS gets pictured
• Don’t want to pay $10,000 to have an iTunes LP version of your album? Make your own
• Sound and vision: The spy monocular and long range sound detector
• Utterly insane voice synthesizer uses a piano – did I mention how insane it is?
• USB Wooden Clip Flash Drive
• Rumor: Verizon to extend their Buy One, Get One Free deal to the BlackBerry Storm2?
• Review: Seagate FreeAgent DockStar

Why Desktop Touch Screens Don’t Really Work Well For Humans Posted: 13 Oct 2009 05:04 AM PDT Hewlett Packard refreshed their TouchSmart line of computers today. If you're not familiar with these, imagine an iMac all in one computer that has a touch screen, and you're most of the way there. I really like the TouchSmart line, and use a second generation machine as my main Windows test computer. The touch interface is done via infrared, which is a very cost effective way of creating a touch interface on a large screen. Microsoft, in fact, uses it in their experimental TouchWall product that can make a touch screen of virtually any size wall (more TouchWall footage). Overall I give the TouchScmart top marks – the only drawback is that it is inexplicably heavy at something like 60 lbs., and no one seems to know why. But since it sits on your desk, it's not like you're lifting it very often, so it doesn't really matter. But the machine is still all wrong. Anyone who has used one for a long time will tell you that they quickly revert to using the keyboard and mouse. And it isn't because of the software or touch technology – both are fine.

djay version 3: You can play MP3s on a turntable! Posted: 13 Oct 2009 04:00 AM PDT You’re setting up for a party tonight. You’ve got food, girls, more food, and even Mike Chilludos coming! But what about music? No problem, just plug your laptop into some RadioShack computer speakers and hit shuffle, right?! For those of you who don’t want your party to be graced with a spontaneous rendition of “Yakety Sax”,  Algoriddim Software has released djay 3. This DJ program integrates with your iTunes library, and automatically adds transitions and other cool DJ things to your mix. The UI is straightforward for experienced DJs and anyone who has every used a record player. Simply select a song, drag it onto the platter, and hit the large, green play button. Basic functions such as a three-band EQ, crossfader, and stereo panning are all at the bottom of the turntables. djay 3 does have some basic FX capabilities. The standard echo and reverb, as well as some preset transitions between songs, to give that real, disc scratching feel. You can either control the mix in real time, or select an iTunes playlist, hit “Automix” and let the program do it for you. If you want to shell out $50 just for some cool transitions between and a GUI that looks like a turntable, go ahead. But if you’re serious about jockeying, get yourself a real turntable.

Qosmio G60: Toshiba unleashes new super-laptop Posted: 13 Oct 2009 03:20 AM PDT Toshiba Japan has announced a slew of new and updated notebooks today, and one of them [JP] is a monster of a notebook (more will be posted later). The Qosmio G60/97J is basically a high-end computer, digital TV and Blu-ray player rolled into one. The notebook is powered by a Core 2 Duo P8700 processor (2.53GHz) and has 4GB of RAM, a 500GB HDD, GeForce GT230M, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n Wi-Fi, Ethernet, an HDMI port, and Windows 7 on board. It also features  a 18.4-inch full HD LCD screen, not one but two TV tuners (so that you can record a TV program while watching another), a Blu-ray drive, harman/kardon speakers and Toshiba’s self-developed SpursEngine processor (which is supposed to boost the quality of video recordings). Toshiba also throws in a remote control. The Qosmio G60/97J weighs 5kg and is sized at 442.6×294.2×41.5mm. It will hit Japanese stores at the end of next month for $3,200. A trimmed down version, the GX/G8K, with weaker resolution (1,680×945), a 400GB HDD and no TV tuners or SpursEngine processor, will be available for $800 less. No word yet from Toshiba concerning a possible worldwide release.

Sonos s5: Mo’ money, mo’ powerful wireless speakers Posted: 13 Oct 2009 03:00 AM PDT If you’re familiar with the Sonos system, then there isn’t too much news here. In fact, there’s not too much news even if you don’t know what Sonos does. Let me break it down for you: the Sonos system is a nice, comprehensive wireless music system for your house that you can control via your iPhone. If you haven’t heard of it before and you’re wondering how to get your music collection to various rooms in your house, check out the demo. The rest of you, think on your current Sonos speakers: are they good enough? No? Well, these ones are better. The focus groups they’ve been running must have gone something like “No, everything’s great, actually. I guess we could use a bit more power.” And that is how the Sonos S5 was born. Stereo tweeters and mid-range drivers, plus a sub in each unit. Trouble is, these fancy magic speakers cost $400 each. Zounds! Of course, some would say they’re worth it. Personally, I just turn up my speakers loud enough that I can hear them in the shower or while cooking, but that’s not really the most sophisticated solution (though I must say it is elegant).

Daily Crunch: Stinky People Edition Posted: 13 Oct 2009 12:00 AM PDT USB Wooden Clip Flash Drive Japanese company demos hydrogen-powered electric bike Kodomo No Nomimono: Beer for kids The Microsoft Windows Phone commercial: Small, puffy men will follow you around New technology analyzes, visualizes breath odors

Pedal power in the desert: OLPC in Afghanistan Posted: 12 Oct 2009 09:30 PM PDT One of the issues with the OLPC project has always been power. There’s just not electricity in all the parts of the world where the OLPC is intended to be used. There is a solution available, however, and it’s being tested in Afghanistan. We have just seen pictures of the first pedal power conversion for the OLPC. It’s still a prototype, but it’s looking promising. The builders have created a pedal power alternative to the hand cranks used on the standard OLPC, and it definitely makes sense to do so. The human body can certainly pedal easier then it can a crank, and the creators of the modification have stated that it’s easy enough to use that a 3rd or 4th grader can power it. Might be hard to type while you’re doing that, but at least you’ll have a full charge.

WikiReader packs all of Wikipedia in a power-sipping portable Posted: 12 Oct 2009 09:01 PM PDT The new WikiReader is a $99 portable device from the Openmoko group that stuffs every Wikipedia article into a pocket-friendly traveling companion. While those of us entrenched in technology day in and day out may scoff at the idea of having Wikipedia at the ready (we all have smartphones, remember?), this is something that might be able to make some waves with baby boomers and/or the technically petrified. I'll have a hands-on/review this week but the basic gist is that the unit uses two AAA batteries, a low-power CPU and monochrome touchscreen, and standard microSD cards to house all the articles. It’s not a connected device, either. Everything’s completely offline. Updated microSD cards can be sent out via snail mail every few months for a yearly fee of $29 or the entire multi-gigabyte file (specially compressed for the WikiReader) can be downloaded and installed manually for the more technically-inclined. Photos aren’t shown on the device, unfortunately, but the easy-to-use interface, months-long battery life, and straightforward updating process ought to entice certain consumers interested in all the information that Wikipedia provides without the hassle of full-fledged computers or complicated mobile devices. The WikiReader will be available shortly on Amazon.com or directly from theWikiReader.com — the official company site.

Gadget surgery: hack a 32GB SSD into your old Zune body Posted: 12 Oct 2009 07:10 PM PDT Worried that your venerable Zune 80 is going to kick the bucket some day? That spinning hard drive can only take so much abuse, after all. Well, if you’ve got the stomach to tear it apart and feel like dropping a bill on a little 32GB SSD, you might just be able to keep on Zunin’ until the sun blows up. There’s a detailed guide here where an individual, angry at the prices of new MP3 players, decides to make his own frankenplayer. One used Zune and one refurbished SSD later (okay, and some serious modification) and he’s got a Zune 32. [via Anything but iPod]

Another Wiimote for the PS3? You’re kidding me Posted: 12 Oct 2009 06:24 PM PDT Sony may be coming out with a motion controller of its own, but that’s apparently not soon enough for accessory maker Blaze, which will be putting one out before that. And this one is so familiar to the Wiimote that I’m wondering how long the knockoff is going to stay on the market. It “thrusts the PS3 gamer into the very heart of the action,” which sounds a bit like it’s thrusting into your heart — let that be a lesson for PR people who write in violent metaphor. And it’s also “ergonomically designed from the ground up,” by which they apparently mean “ergonomically designed from a picture of a Wiimote.” I’d prefer not to see what kind of tacked-on functionality this thing can possibly provide. At any rate, I wish them the best of luck. Actually, no… no, I don’t. [via Engadget]

Linux Foundation announces new membership perks Posted: 12 Oct 2009 05:45 PM PDT Great news, Linux users! The Linux Foundation is rolling out new individual membership benefits, including employee purchase pricing on Dell, Lenovo and HP devices. This translates to up to 40% off of store prices. Plus, you can get an @linux.com email address, and the peace of mind knowing that some portion of your membership dues will be going to directly support the continued work of Linus Torvalds! The Linux Foundation Announces New, Exclusive Perks for Individual Members Members support the organization that promotes and protects Linux while getting new employee purchase pricing from major PC makers SAN FRANCISCO, October 13, 2009 – The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux, today announced new, exclusive benefits for individual members, including employee purchase pricing from Dell, HP and Lenovo, and the opportunity to secure a Linux.com email address for life. Beginning today, Linux Foundation individual members can get up to 40 percent off of Lenovo devices and standard employee purchase pricing from Dell and HP. Dell also offers a best price guarantee to Linux Foundation members. These benefits can translate into hundreds or thousands of dollars for those who purchase their devices as part of this program. Existing members that would like to ensure their Linux.com email address is permanent and not dependent on Linux Foundation membership renewal can elect to secure it with a one-time $150 fee. New members who want the same benefit will pay a total of $249 for the first year's membership and the lifetime benefit. Linux.com email addresses allow members to publicly represent their support for Linux and to demonstrate their community participation. Students can also now become members with a student-class membership for $25 annually. Students find value in Linux Foundation events and online resources and help to drive the adoption of Linux among up-and-coming developers and IT managers. The Linux Foundation wants to encourage participation in the Linux community among this important group of future developers. "Our individual members are the heartbeat of the Linux Foundation and we will continue to find ways to extend special benefits to them," said Jim Zemlin, executive director at the Linux Foundation. "Perks like the employee purchase discounts from Dell, HP and Lenovo and lifetime Linux.com email addresses are unique things we can offer to sustain support for Linux." By becoming a member of the Linux Foundation, developers and users are helping the organization that employs Linus Torvalds and supporting programs that promote and protect Linux. Individual membership helps connect developers, IT administrators, and business executives with unique information, tools and events that help to advance their careers and stay current with the Linux platform. The annual membership fee for individuals is $99, which pays for itself quickly with just one of the discounts offered exclusively to Linux Foundation members. Other discounts and benefits available to individual members include: §      30% discount on the Linux Foundation's LinuxCon and Japan Linux Symposium events; §      20% discount on registration fees for Linux Foundation training courses; §      35% off O'Reilly books and e-Books; §      35% off No Starch Press Publications; §      15% off subscriptions to Linux Journal; §      $10 off every $40 order on ThinkGeek.com; §      a free Linux Foundation t-shirt for proclaiming support for Linux; and §      a weekly "Linux Briefing Book" in the form of an exclusive email with highlighted news and analysis to keep users well informed. To join the Linux Foundation and to see a full list of benefits and discounts, please visit our membership page: http://www.linuxfoundation.org/about/join/individual . About the Linux Foundation. The Linux Foundation is a nonprofit consortium dedicated to fostering the growth of Linux. Founded in 2007, the Linux Foundation sponsors the work of Linux creator Linus Torvalds and is supported by leading Linux and open source companies and developers from around the world. The Linux Foundation promotes, protects and standardizes Linux by hosting important workgroups, events and online resources such as Linux.com. For more information, please visit the Linux Foundation website.

CrunchDeals: Razer Mamba for $85 shipped Posted: 12 Oct 2009 05:27 PM PDT My major issue with the Mamba (once the other issues were sorted out) was the price. $130 MSRP was just too much to give it a solid “buy” rating. But for a limited time, you can get one for $55 off the cover price, which makes it a much better deal. What you need to do (and thanks to Dealnews for hooking this one up) is go over to ZipZoomFly and put one in your cart. Then apply the coupon code “ZZF82197″ to get $10 off, and then when you get it in the mail, send in that rebate for another $15. Boom, $85 Mamba. It’s a beautiful thing. Although I’ve been liking this Logitech G500 I’m reviewing, and it’s even cheaper… well, wait for the review.

BFG announces new Deimos X-10 gaming notebook Posted: 12 Oct 2009 04:45 PM PDT BFG is well-known for their video cards and other gaming peripherals, but did you know they make systems too? It’s true. BFG announced their first desktop system earlier this year, and now they are jumping into the performance notebook arena with the new Deimos system. The Deimos does look promising. BFG has three levels of hardware available, the “Performance”, the “Advanced”, and the “Elite”. The Elite is the top of the range, with an Intel Core 2 Extreme 2.53GHz, and 8GB of RAM with a GeForce 280M. The Advanced has a Core 2 Quad 2GHz CPU and 8GB of RAM and a GeForce 280M, and the Performance uses a Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz CPUT and just 4GB of RAM and a GeForce 260M. All three models have an 18.4-inch screen, which is slightly larger then the competition’s. This brings us to price. BFG lists the starting price of the Performance at $2299, the Advanced at $3699, and the Elite at $4499. And the price goes up from there based on your custom build. They are announcing the Deimos today, however it won’t actually ship until October 30th. BFG is offering a 10% discount on pre-orders until the end of the month, but it still seems like quite a bit for a gaming notebook machine considering the competition.

Video Review: The Dyson Air Multiplier Posted: 12 Oct 2009 04:01 PM PDT And you thought fans were boring. This new table fan by Dyson features a bladeless design that seems to be a first in the “things that blow stuff industry.” I’m quite impressed. A large ring channels the air through a very thin slit and over a specially designed surface. The result is a jet of cool air. There are three controls – on/off, speed, and oscillation – and it can bend up and down for more precise targeting. Here’s what Dyson says about it: How it works: inducement and entrainment Air is drawn into the base of the machine. The air is forced up into the loop amplifier and accelerated through the 1.3mm annular aperture, creating a jet of air that hugs the airfoil- shaped ramp. While exiting the loop amplifier, the jet pulls air from behind the fan into the airflow (inducement). At the same time, the surrounding air from the front and sides of the machine are forced into the air stream (entrainment), amplifying it 15 times. The result is a constant uninterrupted flow of cooling air. Generally this is just a fan, but it’s well-designed and very cool so it’s worth a second look. No price right now but it’s interesting that they decided to launch right now. Presumably people would already have bought their fans if they launched in the Spring? Or do they know something about global warming that we don’t… Now for the bad news: this fan costs $299 for the 10-inch model and $329 for the 12-inch. It will be available from a number of higher end shops and you can read more about it at Dyson.com. I guess you have to pay a price for blowing air the classy way.

The Dell Adamo XPS gets pictured Posted: 12 Oct 2009 03:52 PM PDT First, a rant: Dell is really taking advantage of the media with the new Adamo XPS notebook. It’s classic. First they put up a teaser website a month ago that shows nothing but the incredibly thin dimensions and a side picture. Then they call a press conference where all they do is wave around the notebook for 3.5 seconds and then put it away. Now, there is a press release that contains nothing but two new pictures. This practice is tiresome and I hate that we must play the game, Dell. Anyway… on to the press release. The new pictures shows off the unique hinge design of the Adamo XPS. It’s exactly how I thought it would work after seeing some pictures from the 9/9/09 event. The notebook is so small that designers had to pack all the computing hardware under the screen instead of around/under the keyboard. The result is what we see above as the hinge had to be moved up so the screen to keyboard ratio isn’t thrown off. I’m just curious how the notebook will stay open when sitting on your lap. Oh, and I of course wanna know the price and specs too. The entire press release, ROUND ROCK, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Because so many people who have had a sneak peek of Dell's super thin Adamo™ XPS laptop seem to be falling in love with it, the company today released two more photos of the highly stylized, thin 9.99-mm Adamo by Dell system. The Adamo XPS is as intriguing open as it is closed. The initial reveal, unveiled on 9/9/09 at www.dell.com/AdamoXPS, reflects the product's unique, super-slim profile. In March, Dell introduced the Adamo By Dell brand and Adamo™ laptop as the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design. Derived from the Latin word meaning "to fall in love with," the Adamo laptop is the world's thinnest and photos released today shows Dell's commitment to taking that to the next level. Stay tuned for more information on this head-turning product.

Don’t want to pay $10,000 to have an iTunes LP version of your album? Make your own Posted: 12 Oct 2009 03:40 PM PDT The whole world was bullish on iTunes LPs when they were announced; I called it a black eye for the majors, whose CMX format has yet to be popularized. But the hype was curbed when it was discovered that there was a $10,000 fee associated with the service, putting it completely out of reach for less affluent artists and small labels who can’t afford that price for promotion. Luckily for them, Apple was nice enough to make the format rather basic. It turns out anyone versed in a little HTML and Javascript can put together an LP that’s just as good as a “real” one. It’s not as simple as drag-and-drop, and without Apple’s proprietary TuneKit library, some functionality is difficult or impossible to replicate at this point. But iTunesLP.net is trying to collect all the information you need into a few tutorials and demo files. The site seems kind of hammered now, but I can see from what I’ve read there that really, a day’s work or less is all it would take to put together a serious ITLP. They’ve already released one: Disney’s 1957 Fantasia record, complete with high-quality art and program. Of course, you’ll need to get the album yourself, but if a record was ever deserving of the ITLP treatment, Fantasia is. At this rate, it won’t be long before music promoters and designers will put “iTunes LP production” on their list of capabilities. The legality of this will be debated, but the demand is such that, like jailbreaking your iPhone, it’ll catch on with Apple’s blessing or not. The question is, will Apple take positive measures to lock out third party ITLP files? That would be a spiteful move and a fiercely unpopular one, but the RIAA and other media giants have a history of spiteful and unwise actions (in fact, they make them almost exclusively) and Apple might follow in their shoes. The $10,000 fee is proof of that. One may hope, though without too much expectation, that Apple will open it up and give out an affordable toolset for putting ITLPs together. Perhaps this fee business is just to stick it to the early adopters in big media, and then they’ll rain down love and compassion and SDKs on the faithful. But I doubt it. [via Hack a Day]

Sound and vision: The spy monocular and long range sound detector Posted: 12 Oct 2009 03:30 PM PDT I knew when I got to the Neighborhood watch meeting last week, that guy from down on the corner was talking about me again. I saw him outside, standing next to his car. Of course I take security a little more seriously then the rest of the people who just like to *say* that are protecting our neighborhood. Next time though, I’ll be able to hear him. I just bought the new Spy Monocular & Long Range Sound Recorder. I know that jerk was talking about me. I know it. And if he thinks he’s going to get away with this, he’s in for a rude awakening. I know he’s been talking to the watch leader. Excessive use of force. Those damn kids in their hoodies deserved everything they got. Besides, I used a bag of oranges, not a pillowcase full of door knobs.. yet. I’ll fix him next time. I’ll be watching and recording using the new 8x monocular with a parabolic dish from Brando. I even got a great deal on it, $44.00 plus shipping.

Utterly insane voice synthesizer uses a piano – did I mention how insane it is? Posted: 12 Oct 2009 03:00 PM PDT I wanted to tell you guys to watch this without seeing the description, but it’s difficult to do so. Better find someone nearby, tell them to close their eyes, and then open them when they think they’ve got it figured out. This piano-based voice synthesizer breaks down the morphemes of normal speech into components which can be built up using piano keys. Sounds crazy in theory of course, but actually seeing the keys playing themselves and a voice coming out of it makes me think the end times are coming. Will this be the voice with which our robot antagonists will soothe future generations of cowed humans? [via Reddit]

USB Wooden Clip Flash Drive Posted: 12 Oct 2009 02:30 PM PDT USB Wooden Clip Flash Drive is not only function as a flash drive, but also features as a book/paper clip. It’s another little fancy stuff for your own. Yes, this actually exists.

Rumor: Verizon to extend their Buy One, Get One Free deal to the BlackBerry Storm2? Posted: 12 Oct 2009 02:09 PM PDT We'll be blunt, here: after its predecessor's bumpy start, the BlackBerry Storm 2 needs a really, really smooth launch. The BlackBerry Storm launched with handful of nasty bugs and software shortcomings, nearly all of which were fixed within the first few weeks; yet to this day, most people respond to the BlackBerry Storm with "Ack! Isn't that thing super buggy?". It looks like Verizon's fully aware that they need to shine a positive light on the upcoming sequel - and what better way to do so than giving them away for free?

Review: Seagate FreeAgent DockStar Posted: 12 Oct 2009 02:00 PM PDT I like innovative products and after spending some time with the Seagate FreeAgent DockStar, I think it’s just that. This thing is cool. The concept is simple, and thankfully, so is the product. All you do is insert a Seagate FreeAgent Go hard drive in the dock – or use a USB flash drive – and then the dock becomes not only a local network share, but also an Internet-connected storage device through Pogoplug. I’m pleased to report that it works without any hassle, but I still don’t think you should buy it. To set this thing up, all you need to do is plug-in the power and Ethernet and dock a Seagate FreeAgent Go portable hard drive. Wait a few seconds for the little light to turn green – which tells you that the dock is connected to the Internet – and then navigate to this activation website. The website asks you a couple quick questions and then the device is activated. From there, it’s simply another Pogoplug device. Well, what’s Pogoplug, Matt? I’m glad you asked, friend. It’s a service that allows you to easily share locally-stored info online. This dock turns a Seagate FreeAgent Go external hard drive or flash drive into a NAS that also has access to the Pogoplug service. Seagate has included one year’s worth of service with the device, but after that trial is up, you will be required to pay $30 a year to use the service. (keep reading, more on this farther down) Read our review or watch the two demo videos on Pogoplug’s site for a good run down of the service. I found it easy to use and thorough. In fact, I think it’s the easiest way to share local content online either through a direct URL, email, iPhone app, RSS feeds or through social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace. There is even an option to send out a notification when files have been added or removed. Here’s the downside though: The Dockstar must use the Pogoplug service even though the retail box states something different. The box states, “Files on your home network may be accessed by devices on the same network without subscribing to Pogoplug service” but Seagate’s chat support disagrees and I can’t figure it out either. If the drive is removed from the Pogoplug service, it doesn’t show up on the local network. It’s kind of crazy that the dock doesn’t act like a NAS without subscribing to the service anyway. It’s such a simple ability to leave out. Sure, once Pogoplug knows your device, it’s available as a network share, but that seems hokey to me. It should be the other way around. Here’s the main problem though, this dock doesn’t offer nearly enough benefits over the standalone Pogoplug device. For the same upfront cost of $99, you get the same exact Pogoplug service as the Seagate DockStar offers expect there isn’t a subscription free. Plus, you could use the same exact Seagate FreeAgent Go hard drives with the Pogoplug device because they are USB-powered or any other USB drive for that matter. The DockStar does have three more USB ports (2 rear, 1 side) but that isn’t nearly enough to compensate for the $30-per-each-additional-year fee that the dock requires. Now, if the DockStar could be used as a standalone NAS and the Pogoplug service is just an added benefit, my conclusion might be something different. Consider this an open invitation to Seagate to show me how to use this device without subscribing to an online service. Until then, I cannot see a single reason to buy the DockStar over the standalone Pogoplug model.

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